Health benefits
Providing 16% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement per 100 ml serving, pomegranate aril juice is also a good source of the B vitamin, pantothenic acid, potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. Overall, however, pomegranate is not a significant source of nutrients.

The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolyzable tannins called punicalagins shown in 39 peer-reviewed research publications over 1990-2007 (August) to have potent free-radical scavenging ability in laboratory studies.  Antioxidant punicalagins absorb into the human body after consumption of pomegranate extracts, and an ex vivo study of human plasma after consumption of a pomegranate extract standardized to punicalagins indicated an average 32% increase in plasma antioxidant capacity.

Many food and dietary supplement makers have found advantages of using pomegranate extracts (which have no sugar, calories, or additives), instead of juice, as healthy ingredients in their products. Many pomegranate extracts are essentially ellagic acid which absorbs into the body after parent molecule punicalagins are hydrolyzed.

In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Tannins such as punicalagins have been identified as the primary components responsible for the reduction of oxidative stress which led to these risk factors.  Pomegranate has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Metabolites of pomegranate juice ellagitannins localize specifically in the prostate gland, colon and intestinal tissues of mice, leading to speculation that pomegranate juice may be effective against prostate cancer and osteoarthritis. In 2007, five clinical trials in the United States and Norway were conducted to examine the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on parameters of prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma. The studies have not concluded (December 2007) but interim reports released to the public media were that pomegranate juice may slow onset or development of prostate cancer (above).

Containing polyphenols which inhibit estrogen synthesis, pomegranate seed oil was effective against proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.

The juice may also have antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque.

Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Juice by John H. Rogers

Today, scientific research indicates that there is evidence to support pomegranate juices powers of restoration. This coincides, somewhat, with its earlier mythology as the fruit was considered to aid in resurrection. A recent study concluded that the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice may help to reduce the gathering of fatty deposits of the artery walls. In fact, the antioxidant level available in pomegranate juice has been determined to be greater than that found in other juices, including cranberry, blueberry, orange and red wine.

Scientific experts have conducted various tests, which includes the use of pomegranate juice in mice, and have determined that it combats specific ailments, including heart attacks, strokes and hardening of the arteries. If the same is true of humans, this new discovery may help individuals around the world lessen their chance of suffering from any one or all of these illnesses. While there is no evidence that pomegranate juice completely eliminates the possibility of these occurrences, experts believe that any chance of decreasing their likelihood is a step in the right direction.

The pomegranate fruit, which is approximately the size of an apple, is found on rounded plants that rise 15 to 20 feet tall. The fruit contains seeds and a juicy pulp, which is how pomegranate juice is produced. Commonly found in most of the United States, pomegranate fruit is widely available. This translates to an easily accessible amount of pomegranate juice, which means that product is affordable. If a product is plentiful, the cost is reflective of that fact and more individuals are able to afford the healthy benefits of drinking just one glass of pomegranate juice each day.

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or a doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any treatment program, including that which involves pomegranate juice, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.